Dirk passed away suddenly on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Victoria, BC.
He was predeceased by his father, Omer Poppe, and his fathers-in-law, Antonio Fedrigo and Ernest Simson.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Diana; his daughter Leslie (Mauro) and son Randy (Sada); and his cherished grandchildren: Daryon, Kaeden, Xavia, Rowan, Mateo, and Levi. He is also survived by his mother, Paula Poppe; his mother-in-law, Carolina Simson; his siblings; many extended family members and friends in Canada and Belgium who will miss him deeply.
Dirk was proud of his Belgian heritage, having been born in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. He moved around during his youth before eventually settling in Victoria, BC, where he built a career as a small parts mechanic and later worked as an automotive parts man and Service Manager.
At age 20, Dirk met the love of his life, Diana—though Diana remembers first catching a glimpse of him when she was just 13 and somehow knowing, even then, that he would be her future husband. They were married on June 16, 1979, and soon started a family, welcoming their daughter in 1980 and their son in 1983.
Dirk was a hardworking man whose life centered around his family. He was our anchor—the steady presence we could always rely on. With a gift for fixing the unfixable, Dirk was the one we turned to when things needed mending, both big and small. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: long walks with his best friend and wife, Diana, days spent fishing and hunting, the thrill of riding his motorcycles, and the quiet satisfaction of tinkering with anything that needed repair. His hands were always busy, and his heart was always full.
To us, he was a star—someone we all looked up to.
His brother Mark described him best: a mentor, advisor, guide, protector, the best big brother a man could ask for, and a man who carried a shining love for his wife and family. And, of course, we can’t forget—he was a real butt-kicker, in the best way.
Dirk was also a devoted man of faith. His deep compassion and empathy for others reflected that devotion in everything he did.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 753 Burnside Rd W, Victoria, BC. Interment will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park, with a reception to follow back at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Dirk’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Poppe” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
19 Responses
Our deepest sympathy with the sudden and tragic loss of your loved one.
I met Dirk for the first time, I’ll think 2006 or 2008?? This during his visit to Belgium with his mother, our aunt Paula, and this during his visit by my parents, his uncle Maurice and aunt Julienne.
I remember his friendly and warm character and also his invitation to visit the family in Canada.
Love you all!
Cousin Dirk De Wilde
Dear Dianna and family – I was shocked to read about your husband and dad. I have never met him but know he must have been a wonderful husband/ dad/ grandfather. Because you are lovely people! Sometimes life just doesn’t make any sense and this is one of those times. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Please know we are thinking of your family and keeping you in our prayers. May your memories and Faith in a Good God comfort you – remember he is just a thought away.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.
We wish you much strength during this difficult time.
Fam. Podevijn André – Van Duyse Gerlinde
Fam. Coignau David – Podevijn Melissa – Coignau Elise
Belgium
I only knew Dirk as a regular long time customer of TC Motors, since 2004, where he worked, and I must say that he was one of those people that made your day better. He shared his happy personable disposition with me whenever we met. We never got to go on a motorcycle tour together but he welcomingly invited me to come along.
When you car is not working and you need an expensive repair it was reassuring to know that Dirk was going to help look after things, source out the best quality and prices on parts and treat you with warmth and respect, with honesty. We need more like Dirk. His day to day dealings with people may have helped the world have more calm happy people.
I hope his family feels lucky having lived around such a man.
Jef en Marleen Franssens-Weyenberg.
Wij zijn diep geschrokken bij het onverwacht overlijden van Dirk. Onze innige deelneming in het verlies van uw man,vader en grootvader.
Als we nog maar eens konden gaan vissen op zalmen die je ma zo lekker had klaargemaakt.
Diana we wensen U en de ganse familie Poppe het allerbeste.
Vanwege Jef en Marleen from Belgium.
Onze oprechte deelneming
Familie baert herve -mervis
Belgie
Dear Diana Lesley and Randy. My heart is with you during this time of loss. I have many fond memories of Dirk. We shared the love of our Faith and many good times fishing. With Love and prayers.
Diana and family,
Love and prayers to you at such a difficult time. Although I never met Dirk, I felt like I knew him from listening to Diana talk about him at work. I know he was loved and will be sorely missed today and forever.
Cathie Achtem
I would like to give my deepest sympathy to Diana , Randy and Leslie . I would like to say Dirk was a very good man, very knowledgeable, encouraging and hard-working. I have known him for approximately 53 years, we have had a lot of laughs and good times together. One of highlights is when the three of us, Dirk and my brother, Henry, and myself rode our adventure bikes up to the Yukon. He was cheerful. He knew what was important in life. He loved his wife, Diana and his family and friends, and most importantly he was a good Christian man, and they shall see God and live in his kingdom.